Electrostatic Instruments
Three instruments are particularly important within the wider
JCI product range:
JCI 140 handheld Static Monitor
The JCI 140
handheld Static Monitor is an exceptionally high quality and high
specification instrument. It is easy for anyone to use, and will
show where static electricity is present, giving both polarity and
magnitude. As such it is a key instrument in diagnosing the source
of static problems and hence a first line of attack in
systematically assessing such problems and then proposing
solutions.
Although it is easy for anyone to use, the specification of the
JCI 140 means it is also a very serious instrument for industrial
and academic professionals in the field of electrostatics.
An analogue output and mains power supply make it suitable for
extended monitoring where required, and a number of optional
accessories extend its applications to such items as very high
input impedance, high voltage voltmeter and a charge-measuring
Faraday Pail. A high speed option increases the normal
frequency response of -3 dB at 120 Hz to - 3dB at 400Hz
JCI 155v6 Electrostatic Charge Decay
Analyser
The JCI 155 provides a
unique all-in-one package capable of measuring the charge decay
time for materials. This is a key and intuitive indicator of the
susceptibility of materials to electrostatic problems and possible
electrostatic hazards. It is also useful for Quality Assurance
resting where materials are intended to address or control possible
electrostatic problems and hazards. The unit can be placed directly
on the surface to be tested, but optional bases and inserts ensures
a range of material types including sheet, film, textiles, powders
and liquids can all be placed in the optimum location for testing.
If the active JCI 176 Charge Measuring Base is used, the JCI 155
will also measure capacitance loading.
JCI 131 Adverse Conditions Field Meter
The JCI 131 Field Meter is
a high specification fieldmeter, yet is designed for extended use
in adverse conditions, including outdoors. It has been extensively
used for monitoring around high voltage power lines, but is clearly
very suitable for many other applications.
One such application is in the JCI 504 Lightning Detector. This
gives advance warning of likely lighting activity by a combination
of electric field measurements and radio detection of lightning
activity. The radio detector allows lightning to be detected from
some distance away, and the field measurement means that storm
systems likely to give rise to lightning can be identified even
before the first strike! Hence, it is effective even near to
extensive plane areas such as seas and oceans, providing advance
warning for lightning activity anywhere where electrical storms
could potentially disrupt an activity or where lightning might
represent a specific and avoidable hazard such as for golf courses,
inland and shoreline watersports and track and field events.
A fast version of the JCI 131 is also available which is able to
measure electric field at mains frequencies. An optional accessory
base unit will even resolve alternating and near-DC fields, which
is one of the reasons it is so suitable for use in the region of
power lines.
All the JCI instruments referred to above have a range of
optional accessories enhancing and extending functionality, which
together with JCI's other electrostatic instrumentation makes for
one of the most comprehensive ranges of exceptional quality
instruments of their type in the world. Further information about
the full range of JCI instruments can be found using the
product index to the left.
For further specialist process safety instrumentation and test
equipment also manufactured by Chilworth, see Instrumentation.